MTFCA Forum

Got my late Father's Speedster running again after 40 years of being apart. The engine was rebuilt in that time with a few go fast mods (it was pretty quick before...). Engine work done includes block was decked 0.060, high compression head, 060 over aluminum pistons and a reground high lift cam, chevy valves, magnets removed from the flywheel and balanced rotating assembly. Bosch front plate distributor and a Moore 2 speed rearend.
Currently running a stock intake and exhaust (minus the muffler) with Kingston L4
The problem is at speed it seems to be starving for fuel.
I have dreams of building exhaust header and running a side pipe.
What would you reccomend for a budget carb to get the performance this engine wants? ]

You just almost described my engine.
Get a Winfield MA and manifold.
You won't regret it.

I would say an U&J, but they are hard to come by, as is the Winfield. Easier carbs to come buy, using an updraft manifold, are Stromberg OE-1 and Stromberg M-1 or M-2. The late STAN HOWE used to say that they would make a Model T, go "Like STINK" (meaning fast).

Try a Holley Straight thru with a Scott Conger high flow float valve.

I second John Saylor’s suggestion. I run 2 E&Js on two 1914s. Also a straight thru with Scott’s high flow valve on a ‘26 roadster….. about the same.

How stock do you want to stay? First loose the kingston. A model a carb will run great. But, there is the non stock manifold issue. Even a straight thru holly wont be enough carb. I cant speak to how other period correct carbs will work, but an A carb has worked for me on 2 different T's.
I run 2 NH's, side draft, on one T. That T does breath well enough.

Hi Chuck,
Model A intake & exhaust are a popular approach. I like the Marvel/Schebler & Tillotson X carbs myself for there ease & simplicity. Setting up
choke & mixture adjustment is rather easy. There will be a little generator to carb space issue so The Tillotson X may be the better choice.
Craig.

I have two speedsters with tillitson X carbs they work great. One on a Model A Manifold and the other on a modified Model T manifold.
I can send pictures if you want. Good inexpensive fun.

Take a vaporizer intake manifold and invert it. You now have a shorter more direct run for a sided raft without the generator issue. Cut a steel plate at least 3/8 and drill your intake hole and countersink to machine bolts to hold it to the manifold. Now you can drill and tap for whichever sidedraft you choose. A stromberg works well. An H Winfield is an excellent option if you can find one.

Going with an updraft an aftermarket manifold will need to be found/made. Winfield M is a good option as they are the most affordable.

I built a 4" extension to lower an A carb lower than a stock position T carb. (Not a concern on an "improved" model.) Don't have to worry about 5 gallon hills. Will clear a generator also.
A stock A intake manifold & carb sits to high requiring a fuel pump. Got tired of fuel pump failures.

babychadwick wrote: ↑

Mon May 05, 2025 7:27 am

Going with an updraft an aftermarket manifold will need to be found/made. Winfield M is a good option as they are the most affordable.

Chaffin has manifolds. Not an issue.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Mon May 05, 2025 8:28 am

I built a 4" extension to lower an A carb lower than a stock position T carb. (Not a concern on an "improved" model.) Don't have to worry about 5 gallon hills. Will clear a generator also.
A stock A intake manifold & carb sits to high requiring a fuel pump. Got tired of fuel pump failures.

When you mount a fuel pump if at all possible mount with the discharge up, an old sailors trick for lift pumps. Mounting in this orientation ensures fuel remains in the pump when left and results in a pump that seems to last forever.

Sometimes a carburetor is on the shelf for a reason. Tonight we took the T out again and couldn't get above 25 mph without it sputtering.
Went home and grabbed a Holley NH carburetor from the pile of PARTS, cleaned it up replaced gaskets and threw it on the speedster. Now it's at least getting up and moving. (The local PD set up one of those trailers with a digital speed traps. Well we got up to 40 mph in a city block....)
So satisfying.